Foothills Presbytery News
February 19, 2026
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Woven Together in Christ
Highlights from the 131st Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery
February 18 at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Greenville
Over one hundred and forty of us gathered for the 131st Stated Meeting at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. The day wove together worship, conversation, celebration, discernment, and the holy work of connectional ministry. From the opening land acknowledgment through the closing prayer, the Spirit’s movement was felt in both remembrance and hopeful vision for the future.
We began the day with worship. The message, “Woven Together in Christ,” was a powerful reminder that we are called to love God and neighbor. The sermon imagery invited the presbytery to imagine the church as threads woven into God’s tapestry—each congregation and ministry uniquely gifted yet inseparably connected. The message set the tone for the day: we are on a shared journey of faithful service together.
Following worship, we heard (video) from the Rev. Cecelia (CeCe) Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly. She responded to questions the presbytery posed about:
- Living into hope amid denominational change
- The future of theological education
- Reimagining mission and global partnerships
- Cultivating leadership and addressing burnout
- The role of young people in shaping the church
- Signs of renewal within the PC(USA)
CeCe’s words grounded the presbytery in a broader denominational context and encouraged leaders to see hope emerging even in seasons of transition. A link to her 8 min presentation is below.
We celebrated the Rev. Dr. Lynn Miller (Limestone), who was recognized for completing the rigorous process to become a Certified Christian Educator. The presbytery celebrated her gifts and commitment to teaching and faith formation. We also welcomed the Rev. Dr. Russell Weekley, who accepted the call to serve as Minister at the Seneca Church.
We heard reports about new and renewed Ministries, highlighting the ways God is doing new things across the presbytery:
Re:Center (New Worshipping Community), a partnership between the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA and Foothills Presbytery, is preparing to launch a new spirituality and community center on Pelham Road. This space will include hospitality, creativity, and community connection. Click here to learn more.
Furman UKirk (Campus Ministry). The presbytery affirmed a new model for campus ministry at Furman University. Trinity Presbyterian Church will serve as host, and an Advisory Council will guide the ministry, with the hope of calling a part-time campus minister by Fall 2026. The presbytery pledged encouragement and prayer for this renewed commitment to young adults.
One of the most sacred moments of the meeting was the liturgy honoring Landrum Presbyterian Church (founded in 1917). Through scripture, prayer, and a litany of praise, the presbytery gave thanks for generations of faithful witness before officially declaring the congregation dissolved. The service held both grief and gratitude, trusting God’s promise to make all things new.
The presbytery also celebrated the faithful work of the Nicholtown Church Administrative Commission and voted to dissolve the commission with gratitude. A new chapter is already unfolding through a partnership with One Community Church, which is now worshiping and serving in the Nicholtown community.
Throughout the day, a common thread emerged: even in seasons of change, the church continues to be called forward in hope. Foothills Presbytery left St. Giles encouraged, grateful for the past, and ready to continue the journey to serve Christ together.
| | | | Welcome Rev. Dr. Russell Weekley, who has been called as the Pastor of the Seneca church. | | |
Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Lynn Miller (Limestone) who completed requirements for
Certified Christian Educator.
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Western Region Pastors
Our next gathering will be Thursday, March 5, 12:30, at the Social Tap.
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is Wednesday,
March 11 at 9 am on Zoom.
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Christian Educators
Our next gathering is March 16, 1:00-2:30
at the presbytery office.
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
The next meeting will be on
Thursday, March 26 at noon at Gather Greenville.
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African American History Month
(aka Black History Month) has been observed each February in the United States since 1976.
How will you or your congregation observe this celebration? If you need ideas, click here!
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Smaller Congregation Gathering
Rescheduled to
Monday, March 2, 2026
12:00-1:30 pm
“Best Practices for Social Media Workshop” led by Rev. Anne Russ. Rev. Anne Russ, founder of Social Media for Churches, will lead us through a workshop focused on general best practices for social media ministry, including content creation, planning, scheduling and content mix.
Bring your own lunch. Dessert will be provided.
Email LeAnne White HERE if you plan to attend.
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Women’s Spiritual Retreat
Saturday, March 7, 10 - 2 PM
Ellenburg Hall at Providence Presbyterian
4000 Highway 153, Greenville
Gather with women from across Foothills Presbytery for fellowship, worship, and spiritual renewal. Cost of lunch is $12
Rev. Julie Schaaf will lead a Lenton Retreat, “Miracles in Plain Sight”
REGISTER
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Congregation Disaster Preparedness Workshop, March 21 @ 9 am - 3 pm
at Nazareth
- Is your church prepared?
- Do you have an evacuation plan?
- Are your records secure?
- Is your insurance sufficient?
- When was the last assessment of your church building(s)?
The primary goal of a preparedness plan is to support the continued functioning of the presbytery, the congregation, and/or the family in the event of a disaster. This workshop is designed for church leaders (pastors, elders, deacons), facility staff, church officers, ushers/greeters, Sunday School and Bible Study leaders, church members, etc.
Registration & Information
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2026 Spring Semester - March 27 & 28
The SC5 School of Theology classes are held at Presbyterian College. Spring 2026 Semester Courses:
- Old Testament (Core)
- Church History (Core)
- Worship & Sacraments (Core)
- Presbyterian Polity (Core)
- The Joyous Letter to the Church at Philippi (Elective)
- One Thread: Crafting Worship That Unravels (Elective)
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North Anderson Community Church
Stated Supply, Part-Time Minister
North Anderson Community Church, Presbyterian is a progressive Presbyterian USA congregation committed to inclusiveness, justice, and Earth Care. We are seeking a part-time minister (20–30 hours per week) to provide spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and organizational guidance. This role is central to nurturing our congregation’s faith, fostering community, and supporting our mission in the wider world.
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Side by Side Respite Volunteer Training
Monday, February 23, from 9:00-12:30
at John Knox Presbyterian Church
This is an amazing opportunity to have an immediate impact and help families in our community who are living with dementia. We currently have over 20 families on the Wait List hoping that we can expand our active roster with more volunteers.
Schedules are flexible. Attending the training is a commitment only to learning more about the program. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please contact the church office or Laura for more details or to get signed up.
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Ecumenical Letter on DHS Appropriations - February 2026
From the Stated Clerk and the Office of Public Witness, PCUSA
Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), has joined other faith leaders in signing on to a letter to members of Congress requesting just immigration/migration and refugee policies. You can read the letter and see other signatories at the link below.
Ecumenical Letter to Congress on DHS Appropriations
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1st Wednesday Sack Lunch Conversation
March 4 Racial Justice
A monthly Zoom for sharing across the synod! Join, learn and share: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm (Eastern Time).
Registration & Information
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Westminster, Greenville welcomes
American Spiritual Ensemble
Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 pm
This free community concert will be held in the church sanctuary and is open to all. This rare Upstate appearance promises an unforgettable evening of soulful music, cultural heritage, and world-class performance. Free tickets are available now HERE.
An offering will be received to help offset concert costsn. For more information, please contact Marlon Hurst, mhurst@wpc-online.org.
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the
2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy!
Six weeks of live, free online programs will offer pragmatic and informative sessions to help faith and community leaders address needs emerging from disasters and other crises.
These interactive programs are on Tuesdays, March 24 through April 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 AM Central and are appropriate for all levels of experience and expertise.
Click here to register
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Prayer & Liturgy in My Pocket
10 am- 12 pm,
on Sat, April 18, 2026 at First Greer
- What, you want me to lead worship?
- Have you been asked to pray during a meeting or worship?
- Is your congregation between pastors and you’ve been asked to be a worship leader?
- Is your Pastor asking you to be prepared to lead liturgy for a worship service?
Then, this workshop is for you! It is designed to equip you for creating prayers and leading liturgy. This workshop is ideal for any member or elder who has been asked to lead in worship. Childcare available. Free, but registration is necessary.
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Awed By All the Things!
Tuesday, April 28
The five Presbyteries of South Carolina will host a workshop on Intergenerational Ministry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Seven Oaks Presbyterian in Columbia. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Lynn Miller, pastor of the Limestone Church.
Event fee: $40 per participant for workshop, including lunch. Registration deadline – Tuesday, April 9, 2026.
Space is limited.
REGISTRATION & INFORMATION HERE
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Annual Reading of Session Minutes
This year we are grateful that we offer three opportunities to gather with Clerks of Session and to review minutes. We find that when we gather to review minutes that we learn from each other.
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Thursday, April 30 at Noon at First Church (Spartanburg) 393 E. Main St, Spartanburg
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Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson) 1404 North Blvd, Anderson
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Tuesday, June 9 at noon at the Presbytery office (Greenville) 2242 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville
Click HERE for more information and to download necessary forms.
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SUMMER CAMP 2026 at Camp Fellowship!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Join us for Camp Fellowship Open House, May 23!
The first 25 campers who register from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership! When registering, use Campership Code: Foothills50
Foothills Presbytery also has limited, need-based scholarships available:
Click Here: Scholarship Application. Scholarship Deadline is April 3.
Visit the Camp Fellowship website for new and continuing programs and opportunities designed for all ages and interests.
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Special Offerings for 2026
One Great Hour of Sharing | Season of Lent
Received during the season of Lent, especially Palm Sunday or Easter pcusa.org/oghs Resources distributed in January
World Communion Offering | Season of Preparation
Received during the Season of Preparation, especially World Communion Sunday pcusa.org/wco Resources distributed in July
Christmas Joy Offering | Season of Advent and Christmas
Received during the season of Advent, esp the Sunday before Christmas pcusa.org/christmasjoy Resources distributed in October
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Presbyterian Women's
Birthday Offering
As members of the Creative Ministries Offering Committee, we are happy to introduce you to the projects chosen for grants this year and we ask that you share this information far and wide. Thank you for your continued prayers, celebration of our recipients, and support for our long PW tradition of giving! To learn more, visit presbyterianwomen.org/birthday.
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WOW February Newsletter
Click here to read more about Godly PlayTraining, the Chicago Regional Gathering, Infant & Toddler Resources, and much more.
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Bethelwoods and Bowties 2026
Come join us for a fabulous evening at Bethelwoods Camp & Conference center for Bethelwoods and Bowties 2026! Get ready to dress to impress in your favorite bowtie and enjoy a night of fun, food, and dancing. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, filled with music, top-shelf bourbon, and good company. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
See you there!
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The Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT)
"Art of Transitional Ministry"
Training offers education for both Weeks I & II at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.
Read Full Flyer
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News from the Board of Pensions
In this issue, you will find:
- A message from the Reverend Dr. Frank Clark Spencer, President
- Highlights from the fall Bd of Directors meeting
- Celebrating 20 years of CREDO
- Inside the Medical Plan: How It Works and Why It Matters webinar recap
- Giving back: Board staff supports the Philadelphia community
- Board leadership in action
View the complete BOP News
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150 Years of Ministry to
Children and Families
Since 1875, Thornwell has faithfully walked alongside children and families as they have faced confusion, challenges, and crisis. Backed by a community of support and empowered by meaningful partnerships, we have had the privilege to witness and support 150 years of hope, joy and healing! Join Children and Families on Their Journey. Your generosity helps children and families take steps towards hope, love, and a brighter future.
Donate today.
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The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center is pleased to announce that ARCC Grant Applications are now open! ARCC Grants are designed to benefit those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia through the promotion of respite care, education, and innovation. We are eager to support projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas. Applications are due by April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
2026
February
19 Youth Leaders Roundtable and Examinations Commission meeting
21 Officer Training at Simpsonville
23 Antiracism Ministry Team meeting - Zoom
24 Property Advisory Committee meeting
26 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
March
2 Small Church Gathering
3 Finance & Stewardship Committee meeting
5 Western Clergy Gathering and Youth Leaders Roundtable
7 Foothills Women's Spiritual Retreat
11 Music Ministry Leaders Gathering - Zoom
12 Committee on Ministry meeting & Committee on Shared Ministry meeting - Zoom
14 PYC Interviews
16 Property Advisory Committee meeting & Educators Gathering
17 Think Tank meeting
18 Personnel Committee meeting
19 Examinations Commission meeting
21 Congregation Disaster Preparedness Workshop
23 Antiracism Ministry Team meeting - Zoom
26 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
27-28 SC5 School of Theology
Foothills Presbytery Featured Events
Foothills Presbytery Calendar
Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings
- May 16, 2026 - Central, Anderson
- November 10, 2026, First, Spartanburg
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